Spongeworthy

Hello all, I am soliciting opinions on experiences with DACs. I have used a Cambridge Audio DAC over the past 4 months with excellent results. That is until about a month ago when the unit stopped providing output from either a USB or optical connection. Prior to this experience, I was very impressed with the sonicsand performance for a $400 DAC. My only other experience is listening to an identical music server to mine using a Benchmark DAC-1 with USB. I use a Apple Mac Mini running iTunes/ FLAC, Sony DVP S9000E, Cambridge DacMagicScott 299. My experience with getting the Cambridge unit has been terrible. The unit had to go to Quebec fro repair. They decided to replace it with a new unit that arrived DOA. The retailer is sending me a new unit but I think I have lost faith inb the reliability in the Cambridge unit. I am going to requestto exchange the Cambridge towards either a Benchmark or Music Hall DAC 25.2, which has a tube output. Anybody with experience witha music server and/or DAC?

I have heard the BEN and I thought it was a phenomenal speaker. Joe, put me on the list for these when you sell them next month, haha.

Forte's are way, way more finicky in terms of placement but are phenomenal once you get them right. Otherwise, they are just good. Cornwalls are super forgiving in my experience.

Excellent. I hated selling the Cornies but they weren't being used. The consolation is they went to a good guy who will appreciate them. Always cool to make a new forum buddy too. I will own another pair down the road for sure. The last time I listened to them, I was amazed that a 35 year old speaker with no updates could possibly sound that good. Enjoy Phil.

I learned an expensive lesson on a MC225 a couple of years ago. Nobody would do anything police, ebay, bank, etc. Sorry to say, but you are probably not going to recover the funds. I hope I'm wrong.

Mr. Tigerwood, Where is a good place to buy the headshell and Denon cart. I am going to try the combo on my Technics 1350. Thanks!!

Well said Dave. Mac is great gear obviously but so are VRDs. The real difference would be in customer service. McIntosh warranties, not unlike many other high end manufacturers, are non-transferrable. On the other hand, I bought a pair of used VRDs and Craig went out of his way to help me make sure they were performing flawlessly. I had to sell them due to a financial issue a year ago but will one day own another pair one day. I am using a NOSvalves rebuilt Scott that is a decent substitute in the meantime (although really not in the same league). I did own a 240 and it was not even close, to my ears. My brother had a 275, a 225 (still has it) and now MC30's. If I were going Mac with Klipsch speakers, it would undoubtedly go 30s, 225, 275- in that order. If you want a name to impress your friends, go Mac. If your after the sound, go VRDs.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll definitely check out those stores and stock up. Rplace, Luckily I finished my attic and have the space for all of the toys finally..

I recently added a table to the system. I have been having a blast enjoying some classics and have been trying to find some sources online for some newer LPs. I have been discouraged by the pricing that I have seen. I have had the best luck so far directly from the labels but am looking for some good online sources. I'm not into spending 35-40 bucks for an album. Please help. Also, if anyone is selling any classic rock LPs, I'm interested. This is where I am hearing the biggest difference. I've had some fun comparing CDs and LPs that I have. The newer digital has closed the gap considerably but alot of my classics just sound like garbage on CD, to my abused ears anyway.

I think Bob heard a few of Tim's EAR designs and quickly changed his mind. No disrespect from me, Mr. Carver is a legend in the industry.

Are those for sale? Those are sexy as hell.

I am really enjoying the table. It's ben a long time since I've spun vinyl and never on a system like I have now. I'm defintely not using the stacker. Sounds very. very good to my ears. [ ] I'll probably update the cartridge. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'll look on AK for any threads on these tables.

My mother-in-law's new husband gave me this turntable. Doesn anyone have any info or familiar with this unit. It's a direct drive unit and sounds pretty nice. He brought it over with a thick stack of 70's rock. The table is pristine as are the albums. All are kept in plastic covers and the table looks near new. I'm pretty stoked and will listen tonight once my lovely wife gets home from a movie and I can pass off the kids. Thanks for any info or thoughts.

I am far from a techie and don't have any solutions to your current splitter as I have never tried one. I use the Oppo HM-31 and it's only a $99 box. Buy in from Amazon and you'll get free shipping as well. 3 inputs/1 output and very simple. http://oppodigital.com/hm31/

Thanks for the replies and great information. I guess it is now time to look at some pricing. What do the Dyna and Grado carts run?

Thanks Jay, I am really loving this thing. I'll shoot Craig an email.

I have recently downsized (but not downgraded []) my system and picked up a 299 from a fine gentleman on the forum. I am going to add a turntable to the system from Bluesboy, also on the forum. I was wondering what cartridges would be good to try. Am a little confused by the inputs. 1959 was a little before my time. Thanks for any recommendations.

I'm putting together a HT for a buddy. Ordered a 7.1 Klipsch speaker package and need to find a cost-effective receiver. I want a 7.1 receiver with multi-source, dual-zone capability. Any thoughts?

Hey thanks for the replies. He has a 6 year old Yammy receiver. He is hesitant to pull the trigger on a new receiver. I have talked him into two Klipsch systems. He is dead set on a 58" plasma. His tab right now is at $7K. If that's what he needs to do, I'll inform him of that. Any recommendations on a nice dual source receiver?

OK, I'm helping a buddy pre-wire two 5.1 systems in his new house. One thing that he wants to do is to control his main HT and a pair of outdoor speakers from a single receiver. For example, wife watching TV inside and he wants to listen to music outside. Is this possible to do with one receiver with A and B speaker outputs and some type of 'Magic Box'? If so, what is this box and where do I get one? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Wow, nobody has ever called me a gentleman before. Thanks! []

What's the difference between a Harley and a vacuum cleaner? The position of the dirtbag.

My family has a Thanksgiving tradition that I strongly suggest that you try. Before baking the turkey, we put 10 strips of bacon top. Yum.

I must watch for all bacon lovers: http://www.glumbert.com/media/gaffiganbacon

Hi, My name is Keith and I love over roasted coffee.